By Taiwo Scholarstica
The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has welcomed the decision of the Court of Appeal to suspend the execution of a Federal High Court judgment ordering the deregistration of the ADC and four other political parties.
The Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, had on Monday directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the ADC, Accord Party, Action Alliance, Action Peoples Party and Zenith Labour Party.
The court held that the affected parties failed to meet constitutional requirements relating to electoral performance during the 2023 general elections. According to the ruling, the parties did not secure the minimum level of votes or electoral victories required under Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution.
However, the Court of Appeal on Tuesday granted a stay of execution of the judgment, allowing the parties to retain their registration status pending the determination of the case.
Reacting in a statement posted on his X account, Atiku described the appellate court’s decision as a welcome development. He noted that the move was particularly significant because INEC itself applied for the stay of execution.
The former Vice President also expressed concern over what he described as conflicting judicial decisions in the ongoing legal dispute. According to him, such developments have placed the judiciary under public scrutiny and raised concerns about public confidence in the justice system.
Atiku referenced comments by ADC National Chairman, David Mark, who had earlier stated that the judiciary was facing a critical test in the matter.
He warned against any attempt to weaken Nigeria’s democratic process through the courts, saying such actions could have serious consequences for the country’s democratic development.
The ADC candidate urged the judiciary to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law. He expressed hope that the courts would continue to protect democratic values and ensure justice in the interest of the Nigerian people.